Role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity secondary to asteroid hyalosis

Purpose: Asteroid hyalosis is a vitreous degeneration with calcium and phosphorus - lipid complexes in elderly patients with vascular risk factors or general disease such as diabetes mellitus. Synchysis scintillans is a complication of pathological eyes. Generally there are no symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity. Case reports: Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in three patients with visual acuity less than 1/10. The biomicroscope examination showed white and bright particles with rounded and variable shapes localized in the anterior vitreous, moving with the eye. The visualization of the fundus was difficult or impossible. On echography B, the vitreous was very dense with a complete posterior vitreous detachment. The vitrectomy was completed in one case by peeling an epiretinal membrane. Visual acuity was improved for two patients (6/10 or more) and stable for one patient with an atrophic DMLA. Discussion and conclusion: These results were compared with studies in the literature: in spite of complications, vitrectomy can be indicated in patients with a substantial decrease in visual acuity. However, the result is conditioned by the macular status. Fluorescein angiography can, when it is possible, evaluate the fundus before surgery.